Architecture

The restoration of wrought iron is discussed and ironwork examples are organized in Decorative Ironwork according to their uses. These include gratings that protect doors and windows, entries and gates from Europe in the Middle Ages, artistic creations of the 17th and 18th centuries, and works of our own day.

Early American Wrought Iron is a celebration of the village blacksmith revealing the master craftsman in all his glory, his technical skills, and artistry, and illuminating his crucial role in the development of American culture. It is a giant essential resource for both blacksmiths and architects. Sonn, an excellent draftsman and commercial artist, dismayed that so many pieces of early American wrought iron were discarded, began to compile a collection of his own detailed drawings of early American wrought iron. His search through museums, antique shops, private houses, and collections uncovered many fine examples of ironwork.They are illustrated here in 640 plates containing over 3,000 drawings. Sonn spent eight and one half years traveling along the East coast sketching and doing research for this classic work.

The legacy of Erich Riesel through words and photographs. This is the story of one of smithings' most accomplished, yet little-known artisans. Leslie and Hopkins-Hughs have restored Riesel to his proper place in the pantheon of ironwork artists. He learned the ironworking trade as an apprentice in Magdeburg, Germany, a ninth-century city noted for its Romanesque church and its steel industry, but his father, wanting to save his only child from war, sent him to America. After working as a cowboy on a number of Hill Country ranches, his gifts as a talented ornamental ironworker were accidentally discovered by two oilmen who were establishing handsome ranch/retreats on the banks of the Guadalupe River in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. For five years Riesel endowed their properties with beautiful ornamental works that have continued to evoke admiration. From massive ranch gates to airy railings to intricate chandeliers, Riesel turned out masterpiece after masterpiece creating a legacy that still endures at the Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly, Hunt, Texas.

In the olden days, building with logs was common-place everywhere where trees were plentiful. It was the only way of providing oneself with a house or outbuildings.The craft of log building is a trade that takes considerable skill. If you intend to build your own log home, or a log shed, this book may give you some ideas of styles and floor plans.

Anybody who is capable of swinging an axe will also be able to craft a notch. Log tightness and joint precision need not always be perfect, but should be suited to the use of the building. The important thing is that the participating individual, with his hands on an axe, feels the happiness of building a log house,

Blacksmiths have been an essential part of the development of global civilization for thousands of years. Initially forging rudimentary tools and weapons, their work transitioned to more sophisticated tools, agricultural implements, and instruments of war. The Industrial Revolution reduced the need for the blacksmiths' work and hence slowed the development of their craft. The renaissance of the last 30 years was led by individuals such as Francis Whitaker whose dedication to the craft inspired many to learn the art and techniques of blacksmithing. Whitaker and a few of his students forged the beautiful, functional ironwork for two ranches in southwest Colorado in this book. A Heritage in Iron, earned, in 2004, the PubWest Publishers Association of the West Winner's Award and 10 pages in the Architectural Digest. Featured throughout are hand-forged fixtures, fireplaces, tools, and includes 200 color and historical photos. An Independent Publisher IP Award Finalist. Index.

This series of interviews introduces some artist who have shaped steel and had their lives shaped by it. It celebrates people who are passionate about metal, and about the way this passion has been translated into lasting beauty. The book is arranged by geographic area, and the artists are listed in alphabetical order.

This book is a long overdue treat for blacksmiths, sculptors, and all artists of metalwork. It has information on chasing and repoussé in greater depth and detail than any other volume available in the English language today. A valuable resource for both the professional and the hobbyist. Translated from German